Brian Crow spent a decade away from training, but he is now having the time of his life with the horse who brought him back to the game he loves.
The New Plymouth horseman began training at the turn of the century and recorded 20 wins over the next decade before giving it away.
He continued to potter around with a few horses, breaking-in a couple for friends and family, but it was a Complacent gelding owned by his brother that reignited his passion and set him on a path to return to training.
That horse is now called Who’s Complainin, who placed in his first three starts for Crow before scoring his maiden victory at New Plymouth last month.
“My brother bred him,” Crow said. “He offered him to me and I liked him when I broke him in, so I thought I might as well have another crack.”
Who’s Complainin remained a bit of a wild child, so Crow enlisted the help of Horowhenua horseman Chris Rauhihi and Crow has taken a patient approach with the gelding since his return.
“He was a bit of a rogue at the start and I ended up sending him down to Chris Rauhihi. He has always been a nice horse and Chris did a great job,” Crow said.
Who’s Complainin made his debut in May and placed in his first three starts before scoring his maiden victory over 1800m at New Plymouth last start.
“He has always shown a bit. He looks like he will be a nice stayer with another year on him,” Crow said.
“It was good for the horse to get that reward last start and it was a nice, tough run.”
Crow has been pleased with Who’s Complainin’s purple patch of form and is hoping he can continue it in what will likely be his last start this preparation on Saturday.
Crow has accepted for both the Makit MAAT (1800m) and Nelson Pine 1600 with his gelding, who has been installed as $4.50 and $4.20 favourite for the respective races.
However, Crow is leaning toward lining up in the later race, believing the mile distance will suit his gelding a lot more on the Heavy10 surface.
“He’ll probably go to the 65, it might be a bit easier for him over the mile. By the look of it, the track is going to be pretty bad, so it will end up like an 1800m anyway,” Crow said.
“He might go into the paddock for a month after Saturday and it would be good to see him put his hand up again.”
Crow is pleased to be back training, a pursuit he always dreamed of following since chasing rides in his youth.
“I started riding the odd pony for people and I used to push bike to Hunts to try and get on a horse. You have to be a bit creative when you have got no money and can’t buy a horse,” he said.
“Some of the older guys like Bob Sharrock and Reg Northcott would do half a hunt and then tell you to hop on the horse and have a bit of fun, and I started off from there.
“I ended up taking off for a few years to Taihape shearing sheep and then I came back and got back into horses and training, and quite enjoyed it.”
